It's fourth and long with less than a minute remaining in the game. The winner gets a wild card berth in the playoffs. You're down by a field goal. Your quarterback makes a perfect pass, your receiver is wide open, and then you see the referee's arms fly up signaling the touchdown. You're going to the playoffs.

Offense

If you are playing offense, you will be asked to select a formation for your team, a pass pattern for each of your receivers, and a blocking direction for your blockers.

Audibles: If you don't like the look of a defense when you reach the line of scrimmage, you can call an audible.

Defense

You can choose from nine defensive formations. There are no patterns for individual defensive players. If the offense calls an audible, you will have a chance to change your formation, but you will not be able to see your selection.

Penalties

There are two 5-yard penalties that can be called by the referee and cannot be declined - Offense: Delay of Game, Defense: Offsides.

Strategy Tips

When the computer is playing defense, it can remember (for a short time) any plays you call frequently. If it spots a familiar pass play, chances are you'll be intercepted. So keep the computer player "on its toes" and mix up your offensive plays.

When playing the running game, follow your blockers and run to daylight.

When you are playing the game for the first time, use the Shotgun formation and the Streak pass patterns a few times to get used to the passing game.

When playing defense, play bump and run with the receivers.

Try a trick play. An effective one is the fake punt. It's possible - and embarrassing to the defense when it works.